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VACATION & TRAVEL • NOVEMBER 4 - 10, 2015
3B
Travel Diary: From Long Island To Quebec City And Home Again BY SHERI ARBITALJACOBY
SARBITALJACOBY@ANTONMEDIAGROUP.COM
Time to say au revoir to Quebec City and take the three-and-a-halfhour drive to Plattsburgh for our final vacation day. When we arrived at the Comfort Inn & Suites in Plattsburgh (www.plattsburghcomfortinn.com), just 20 miles south of the Canadian border, we had some pleasant surprises in store for us. The Indoor Splash Park with 105-foot and 80-foot flume waterslides was the perfect way to unwind from the ride. We didn’t even have to venture outside for dinner. We wound up walking through the hotel hallways to Plattsburgh Brewing Co., where we found home-brewed beers and a full dinner menu with something for everyone. After dinner, we headed down to the hotel’s lower level, where we discovered Champy’s FunZone Family Entertainment Center, a 6,000-square-foot indoor space that included a 30+ game arcade, nine-hole glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course and two-lane bowling alley.
Ausable Chasm’s scenic trails offer breathtaking views from natural stone walkways, stairs and bridges, but rafting or tubing at
see TRAVEL DIARY on page 7B the bottom through the narrowest and deepest region made for an unforgettable day. (Photo by Sheri ArbitalJacoby)
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4B
VACATION & TRAVEL • NOVEMBER 4 - 10, 2015
On A Winter Getaway To The Pocono Mountains
The Pocono Mountains sees approximately 50 inches of snowfall each winter. Cloaked in a coating of fresh powder, the region beckons with beauty and adventure. Seven major ski areas and over 185 trails provide downhill adventures from easy to extreme. The varied landscape contains both gentle slopes and drastic drops, encompassing attractions including the country’s largest snowtubing park and the state’s highest vertical. While the landscape promises plenty of downhill thrills, Pocono Mountains winter fun doesn’t stop at the slopes. Resorts across the region offer snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, tubing, sledding and other snowsports for the whole family. Traditional winter activities, such as ice skating, tobogganing, and horse-drawn carriage rides, are also popular at select Pocono Mountains properties. After a full day of winter fun, there’s nothing like a hot meal and a restorative drink. In the Pocono Mountains, après ski stop-offs begin at the base areas and branch out to microbreweries, family restaurants and pubs. Hearty dishes and hand-crafted drinks are sure to lift your spirits, but if you’re searching for something special, stop by one of the Pocono Mountains’
Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride with Pocono Country Carriages. four-diamond restaurants or farm-totable dining destinations. The region’s award-winning eateries draw inspiration from the four-season landscape, utilizing fresh local ingredients in
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Stay at traditional lodging like the Inn at Pocono Manor. everything from soups and salads to cocktails and craft beers. Whether you’re seeking ski-in/ski-out service or a feast fit for a king, you’ll find plenty of places to relax and refuel in the Pocono Mountains. And when it’s time to turn in for the night, you can expect a warm welcome wherever you go. The Pocono Mountains has a long history of hospitality. It has played host to honeymooners since the creation of the heart-shaped tub, served skiers since the invention of the snow gun, and welcomed families and adventure-seekers for many, many years. The destination’s evolution has resulted in an eclectic mix of accommodations, from historic hotels and intimate inns to spa retreats and sprawling resorts. A Pocono Mountains resort experience ensures fun for everyone, with multiple dining, activity and entertainment options under one roof. Soothing spa facilities and upscale dining spots
Check out Guy Fieri’s Mt. Pocono Kitchen at Mount Airy Resort Casino. complement kid-friendly restaurants, game rooms and rides at resorts across the region. It’s always 84 degrees at the indoor waterpark resorts, where you can ride, slide, play and stay close to the slopes in any weather! Leaving the kids at home? Look to lodges and romantic resorts for a little peace and pampering. No matter the inspiration for your winter vacation, you’ll find the perfect place to stay in the Pocono Mountains. Visit www.poconomountains.com for trip planning ideas and special offers.
5B
VACATION & TRAVEL • NOVEMBER 4 - 10, 2015
Lake Tahoe: Something For Everyone Recreation at Zephyr Cove, where the M.S. Dixie II departs from BY KIMBERLY DIJKSTRA
KDIJKSTRA@ANTONMEDIAGROUP.COM
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains is Lake Tahoe, a year-round destination for travelers of all ilks. The pristine lake lies on the border between California and Nevada and offers every activity and amenity imaginable. Skiing, snowboarding, sledding? Check. Paddleboarding, kayaking, waterskiing? Check. Hiking, biking, rock climbing? Check. Camping, sailing, golfing? Check. Live music, gaming, great restaurants? Check. Beautiful sunsets and exceptional views? Double check. Perhaps Lake Tahoe wasn’t on your radar as a vacation destination before, but it should be. As of May, JetBlue offers daily nonstop flights from JFK to Reno, which is less than a 90-minute drive to South Lake Tahoe, which offers entertainment from sun-up to sundown. “I always recommend that anybody’s first time to Tahoe, you want to do two things,” said Jenn Boyd of Weidinger Public Relations, which represents South Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “You want to get above the water and on the water. And there’s so many different ways to do it—whether you want to skydive or take a helicopter ride or a hike or a gondola ride, getting that aerial viewpoint is just stunning. And then being on the water itself and seeing how crystal clear it is, is essential.” The Heavenly Mountain Gondola is the best way to see the lake from above. A 2.4-mile ride provides panoramic views. At the Heavenly Observation Deck, with an elevation of 9,123-feet, you can see the lovely Carson Valley, the rugged Desolation Wilderness and
shore-to-shore views of Lake Tahoe. The top of Heavenly Mountain offers more than nice views though. You’ll also find a climbing wall, a ropes course, hiking trails and two zip lines. The Blue Streak Zip Line is the longest in the area at 3,300-feet and top speeds of 50 miles per hour. Another family-friendly area is Camp Richardson. With live music on the beach, waterfront restaurants, 10 miles of paved bike paths, historic cabins, gardens and easy hikes, it’s
Boyd recommends Beacon Bar & Grill for a dining experience right on the water’s edge and Richardson’s Ice Cream Parlor for huge scoops of the best ice cream in town. “Round Hill Pines is one of the best beaches for kids,” Boyd said, adding it is where most of her friends go with their children because the parking lot is close to the water and there is a swimming pool and tennis court nearby. One of the most enjoyable ways to get on the water is an excursion on
If you’re willing to climb down the side up of a mountain (and then back up again!), you too can capture this shot of Bonsai Rock, a little south of Sand Harbor. a great place to take the family. The nearby Taylor Creek Visitor Center offers self-guided educational interactive trails where kids can learn about fish and nature. The Stream Profile Chamber is a unique underground viewing chamber that gives you close-up views to the wildlife through aquarium-like windows.
the M.S. Dixie II, a Mississippi-style paddle wheeler which embarks from the beautiful Zephyr Cove. Both the daytime sightseeing cruise and the evening dinner dance cruise highlight the natural beauty of the lake. It is a wonderful way to see Emerald Bay and the historic Vikingsholm castle. The evening cruise includes a gourmet
meal, dessert, cocktails and wine available for purchase, live music entertainment and stunning views of the sunset. The M.S. Dixie II cruises the lake year-round. Lodging is abundant throughout Lake Tahoe and more is being added every day. Boyd said, “A lot of properties are stepping up their game and investing. Montbleu just did room renovations..., Harrah’s redid all of their rooms and the Hard Rock is new... It opened in January.” The Ridge Tahoe is a full-service resort with high quality accommodations and amenities and breathtaking views of both the lake and Carson Valley. “Sunrises are phenomenal from the Ridge,” said Boyd. The Ridge Tahoe recently underwent major renovations. Many of the rooms now include full kitchens with granite countertops, a dishwasher, an oven and other appliances, a dining area, king bed, high-definition TVs, Blu-Ray players and a gas fireplace. Guests and timeshare owners have access to a health club, sports complex, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, Jacuzzis, a market, a spa and many organized activities to choose from. Boyd highly recommends The Ridge’s Hungry Bear Restaurant for an elegant dining experience. The restaurant hosts many weddings and events, and thus has varying hours of operation. Whether you’re staying at the Ridge or not, you’ll want to make a reservation. “It’s amazing. The chef used to be the private chef for Tommy Hilfiger,” Boyd said. “He’s one of those people who has such a passion for
see LAKE TAHOE on page 6B
6B LAKE TAHOE from page 5B
VACATION & TRAVEL • NOVEMBER 4 - 10, 2015
food, when he talks about it, you get hungry. It’s wonderful.” Something that may surprise you about Tahoe is that it’s a bigger summer destination than winter. “We see over six million visitors annually and we see two-thirds of that in summer,” said Boyd. At the end of June, Tahoe hosts one of the largest stand-up paddleboarding races in the country. Another surprising fact is that there are 40 golf courses in the region. Edgewood Tahoe is the largest and right on the water and is home to a televised celebrity golf tournament every July. The week-long event brings sports celebrities and entertainers, such as Justin Timberlake who participated last year. “That’s probably our second busiest weekend of the entire year,” Boyd said, “Fourth of July being the first.” “Gaming is an attraction, but it’s no longer the main reason see Lake Tahoe, people come up,” said Boyd. The when there’s casinos are now offering a lot snowmobiling, more entertainment. Harvey’s ice skating, cross does a big outdoor concert country skiing, series—10 concerts in the snowshoeing, summer. They had Elton John, sleigh rides, horse and a lot of big country acts like Nevada Beach is one of Lake and carriage Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney Tahoe’s hidden gems. rides and more. and Brad Paisley. “There are tons of The casinos provide 24-hour things to do the 10 days leading up to gaming, bars, nightclubs, live music Christmas,” Boyd said, and mentioned and even comedy clubs. Boyd added, Heavenly Holidays which has caroling, “Our casinos have really good food.” face painting and a Santa on-site to Lake Tahoe is an up-and-coming take a photo with inside a life-sized culinary destination. McP’s Taphouse snow globe. Grill, a longtime favorite with locals “For Christmas and New Year’s, do and visitors, has a new location at not plan last minute,” Boyd said. “It’s the new Chateau plaza, which is our third busiest week of the year.” also home to Base Camp Pizza. “The Snow has been recorded every owners of Base Camp Pizza just month of the year in Tahoe. “It can opened Azul, which is a Latin-Mexican snow any month. We start getting the place with really good margaritas and first snowfall dusting in October, then tacos,” said Boyd. “They have a Thai it really starts in November,” Boyd said. curry taco that blends flavors nicely, “Ski resorts open around Thanksgiving and coconut pulled pork. and stay open until the end of April.” In “There are so many great little big snowfall years, ski resorts may be hole-in-the-wall taquerias,” Boyd said. open in July. The forecasted “Godzilla” “Jalepenos is one of my favorite spots.” El Niño this year is predicted to bring Boyd said Scusas is one of the best with it a ton of snow out west. places for Italian food. “Scusas has a Summer is also an excellent time great atmosphere, really good pasta to visit. “I can’t think of an activity dishes, lobster ravioli and tomato that isn’t around in the summer,” said bisque soup.” And for a big splurge, try Boyd. “What’s great about summerCafe Fiore. “It has a higher price range, time is that you can find that niche for but it’s phenomenal.” you, that’s either the casual recreation There are a few restaurants that will or the extreme.” cook your fish that you caught that “A lot of our visitors are more on the day,” Boyd said, citing Blue Angel Cafe casual side, you know, nice mellow bike as one. Other restaurants might not rides on paved paths for a couple of promote it, but are willing if you ask. miles, or you can be going down some Boyd is full of useful travel advice. really gnarly mountain biking trails and “September-October is a fantastic really push it to the max,” she said. “If time to come. It’s less crowded and you’re a huge adrenaline junkie, you weather’s still really nice,” she said. “It have lots to choose from. You can be stays about 70 degrees during the day out on the lake and wakeboard and ski and drops down to about 50 at night.” or you can just float around on a boat.” Winter is also a wonderful time to That’s what’s really cool about this
View of Twin Peaks from Nevada Beach place,” Boyd added, “that you can get “Jump in. It’ll definitely wake you up,” outside and enjoy the outdoors.” Boyd said. From skydiving to scuba diving Boyd’s last bit of advice: “Never take to simply lounging on one of many for granted the beauty of the lake... It’s beaches surrounding the lake, in gorgeous.” Tahoe, you will never be at a loss for No matter what your passion, Lake something to do. Boyd recommends Tahoe has something for you. Nevada beach as a nice getaway and Visit www.ltva.org, said you can even take a swim. The www.ridgetahoeresort.com, www. water temperature some might call zephyrcove.com and www. very chilly, others call refreshing. skiheavenly.com for more information.
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VACATION & TRAVEL • NOVEMBER 4 - 10, 2015
TRAVEL DIARY from page 3B Before our last stop, we worked out in the well-equipped, on-site Eclipse Fitness center, complete with sauna and steam room, and fueled up with free breakfast before our 20minute drive south to Ausable Chasm (www.ausablechasm.com). When Googling midway points
Discovered in 1765, the vertical-walled canyon made of 500-million-year-old rock, is the oldest natural attraction in the U.S. and has welcomed more than 10-million visitors. (Ausable Chasm photos by Sheri ArbitalJacoby) for the drive home, I read rave reviews for Ausable Chasm and couldn’t believe I had never heard of it. Discovered in 1765, the vertical-walled canyon made of 500-million-year-old rock, is the oldest natural attraction in the U.S. and has had more than 10-million visitors. The scenic trails offer breathtaking views from natural stone walkways, stairs and bridges, but rafting or tubing at the bottom through the narrowest and deepest region made for an unforgettable day and the perfect end to our vacation.
My daughter, who had studied Earth Science during the school year, said that it was like the entire course summarized in one place. Ausable Chasm also offers nighttime lantern tours, rock climbing and an adventure trail. To avoid long waits, staffers encourage visiting before noon or after 2 p.m., and recommend a minimum of two hours to explore. For the last and longest leg of our journey, we spent the five-hour ride home with smiles on our faces. Visit www.longislandweekly.com to view more photos, read about our adventures in Montreal and Quebec City, and see where we stopped along the way.
7B
There’s a nine-hole glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course in the 6,000-square-foot Champy’s FunZone Family Entertainment Center at the Comfort Inn in Plattsburgh.
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VACATION & TRAVEL • NOVEMBER 4 - 10, 2015
Spend your day in snow suits on the slopes & your night in bathing suits on our slides!
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8B